Highguard website woes are just an administrative thing, developer says, and the studio is in no rush to fix it because 'reputational damage' is already done
PC Gamer
by Andy Chalk February 19, 2026
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The Highguard website has been down for nearly a week, displaying only a generic "Site unavailable" message with an email link directing users to Code32, the website builder and host. A developer from Wildlight Studios, the game's parent company, explained on Discord that this is primarily an administrative issue with low priority, as they believe reputational damage has already occurred. The developer emphasized that the focus is now on delivering updates and content to improve the game, rather than addressing the website issue immediately.
Highguard initially made a strong impression with nearly 100,000 concurrent players on Steam following its surprise appearance at The Game Awards. However, player numbers rapidly declined, dropping below 1,000 within a month. Despite this, Wildlight proceeded with layoffs, retaining only a core team to continue development. Since then, the studio has released updates, including a significant content update, but the game's visibility and popularity have continued to wane.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by Highguard since its launch. The game's concurrent player count on Steam has plummeted, and the website's current state adds to concerns about Wildlight's communication strategy and ability to maintain trust with its audience. While the developer claims to be focused on improving the game, the lack of transparency and action regarding the website issue raises questions about their priorities and long-term plans for Highguard.
For readers interested in gaming, this situation underscores the importance of effective communication and adaptability in the industry. Highguard's story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of poor public relations and the potential consequences of neglecting community engagement during crises. As 2026 approaches, with its wave of new games, studios
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/19/2026